9th grade

Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses.

Study hard and get excellent grades.

Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing your reading.

Become involved in co-curricular activities.

Meet your high school guidance counselor and discuss your plans for the next four years.

Browse through college literature or surf the Web to get an idea of what kinds of schools may be of interest to you.

Check out what high school courses colleges require.

Know NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) eligibility requirements if you want to play sports in college.

Keep an academic portfolio and co-curricular record.

Research career possibilities.

Begin saving money for college.